Science as Smoke Screen

摘要

The kauai creeper, a sparrow-sized songbird restricted to the hawaiian island of kauai, would seem to fit anyone's definition of an endangered species. Fewer than 1500 individuals survive in an area of only 86 km~2; its numbers are declining and it is under assault from non-native predators, pathogens, and competitors. Despite having been listed as "Critically Endangered" by the World Conservation Union, the Kauai Creeper hasn't yet earned a place on the U.S. endangered species list. In this respect, it has plenty of company. Thousands of U.S. species in grave danger of extinction have yet to be accorded protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA).